FAQs

How can I find out about past sessions?
Go to the Newsletter tab in the above menu. On that page is a list of archived
newsletters. The details about the forthcoming workshop are there as well. It’s full of
good info about the last Colony and what’s coming up next, and when, and with whom.

What is a typical week like?
An outstanding guest artist will inspire, critique and advise each participant during the 5-day session held the last week of April and the last week of September.  Beginning on Monday afternoon, member/attendees set-up, meet and greet, have dinner and meet the visiting Guest Artist. The week is filled with independent studio time, and opportunities for feedback from the Guest Artist can be scheduled throughout the day. On Friday night, there is an awards banquet which is a bit dressy or may follow a theme such as 50’s or Hawaiian, winding up on Saturday morning with breakfast and packing up. Then, we say our goodbyes, and look forward to another session in six months! Check out the current session’s agenda here.

What about the Guest Artists and instruction?
Our Guest Artists come to Colony from a variety of backgrounds, usually with strong teaching histories from schools or universities noted for their art curriculum. In selecting a Guest Artist, Colony feels it is important that they are able to assess work on many levels using a variety of mediums, since the members work independently with their preferred materials.  This is a great opportunity to question and discuss technique in particular and art in general with very gifted individuals. Both guidance and critique are available as needed but due to the nature of the sessions, don’t expect more than one brief visit per day. For a list of some of our past guest artists, click here.

Each artist should be able to work independently. The instructor will be on hand most of the time and input is given one on one as the instructor visits each person individually. At times the instructor will call in the group for demonstrations and examples. Most of the time artists work on their own. Please be courteous, most people prefer to speak privately with the instructor about their work.

How many members usually attend a session?
40-45 artist usually attend each session.

What’s the criteria to become a member?
Many members return year after year. MAC Membership is established by attending two full colony workshops and a vote by current membership.

What is the studio workspace like?
There are a number of setup locations. Tables and plastic table clothes are provided.

Can I set up in the same spot I had last time?
Although set-up is on a first come first serve basis, we try to honor those regulars who like to return to the same spot each time.

What is the Thursday evening critique?
Artists may ask for a critique of works brought from home at any time the instructor is with them. A group critique will be held Thursday evening on one artwork from each attendee. This is a finished work, brought from home, or completed during Colony, but not one of your Traveling Show entries.

What are the sleeping accommodations like?
The camp provides cabins with twin beds and linens for sleeping. Rooms are set-up for two per room. Suites in staff cabins accommodate 4 – two to a room with a shared bath. Rooms are equipped with linens, blankets, pillows, hanging space, bath towels, toilet paper, and bath tubs with showers (the staff cabins have showers only). You are responsible for all personal items and/or needs. Private rooms are an additional $50 above workshop fees.  Please indicate if you have a roommate request.

Can I pay more to have a private room to myself?
Yes, please view a list of fees here. 

What’s the weather going to be like?
As we say in Mississippi, if you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute. Hot, dry, cold and rainy are all possibilities, maybe in the same day.

What kind of clothes will I need?
Prepare for all weather conditions, and bring hiking or sports shoes for nature walks. Some members like to change for dinner, while others consider it optional. Other than the Friday night awards banquet, painting clothes are fine.

What else should I bring?
ART CHECKLIST – You must bring ALL ART SUPPLIES.
Easel
Paints
Brushes/palette knives
Solvents: oderless turpentine, Gamsol, oils, mediums, cleaners
Gesso, primer
Palette/disposable palette liners
Canvas/paper
Tape: masking, scotch tape/adhesives
Rags/paper towels
Rulers/straight edge
Scissors/razor blades/Exacto knife
Pencil/charcoals/erasers
Containers for water or solvents
Rubber mats to stand on
Latex gloves
Business cards
Reference materials (photos, magazines)
Your 2 traveling show entries.
A painting of your choice (other than traveling entries) to be critiqued by guest artist.

PERSONAL CHECKLIST
Camp provides cabins (linens) , three meals daily, coffee and ice.
Medications/Vitamins/Supplements
Toiletries:
Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hairspray
Blow dryer, comb/brush
Shower cap
Deodorant
Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash
Tweezers, nail clippers and file
Make-up remover, cleanser
Nightlight
Small flashlight
Lysol
Room deodorizer or oil diffuser
Germicidal hand cleaner, Handi-wipes
Hand lotion
Bug spray
Sunscreen/sunblock and lip sunblock
Ziploc bags of all sizes and garbage/laundry bags
Corkscrew
Swiss Army knife or something similar
Small umbrella
Coffee pot/mugs for room
Pillow
Snacks: for your room and for happy hour get togethers
Beverages: bottled water, soft drinks, juice, etc.
Appetizer dish for banquet
Small ice chest
Collapsable chair for happy hour
Clothing for a variety of weather conditions
Extra towels, small blanket
Cash for camp staff tip jar
Earbuds or headphones
Phone charger

What about meals?
The camp provides three meals daily, coffee, ice, juice and tea. Meals are served cafeteria style, with several meat-free veggies, one meat item, bread and dessert. Breakfast starts at 7:00 a.m., lunch around noon and happy hour around 5:00, followed by dinner. We offer a wide variety of healthy, well-prepared foods to choose from, with very few complaints! Those with special diets may bring personal food items which can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer or you may advise one of the directors if you should have any dietary needs.

What’s that about happy hour?
Happy hour is made happier by the contributions of both homemade and store-bought goodies by the members. You provide your own refreshments at this time. A tip jar is provided for services rendered by the very capable and willing camp staff. There is little they won’t find time to do for you if asked. Some of the best people you’ll find anywhere!

What if I need something while I’m there?
There are a few small stores located in Utica, which is about a 20 minute drive. If this does not accommodate you, Jackson is approximately a 40 minute drive away.

ABOUT THE TRAVELING EXHIBIT:

How do I enter my works to be considered for the traveling exhibit?
At each workshop, a juried show of not more than 25 pieces will be selected, and designated as “The (Fall 2018) Mississippi Arts Colony Travel Show”. If you will be attending the session, you’ll want to bring 2 pieces (drawing or painting) to be considered for judging. The artist is responsible for delivering these pieces to Colony and removing them at the conclusion of the current Colony session.

What kinds of pieces can I enter?
All works submitted for consideration MUST:

• be correctly submitted for judging no later than 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.
• have show labels on the back.
• have been completed in the last three years.
• have not been included in previous Colony shows.
• not measure more than 40″ x 50″ with a depth of no more than 6″.
• not exceed 25 lbs.
• have no projections which could endanger other pieces.
• be wall-hung, and ready to hang.
• be under Plexiglas or acrylic (no glass) if it is an “Under Glass” work.
• priced if for sale with a possible commission of up to 50% on works. Percentages and galleries that require them vary.

What if my piece is damaged during the Travel Show?
Unfortunately, Mississippi Art Colony cannot be responsible for loss or damage to works that travel. All entries submitted at artist’s own risk and expense. Further, the travel show is on tour as an “Exhibit” and should look professional at all times. In the event that damage to framing should occur while traveling, it should be repaired a soon as possible at the artist’s expense.

COSTS AND FEES:

What is the cost?
Please view a list of fees here. 

What do the costs cover?
The workshop fee includes critique/instruction by the Guest Artist, and the camp cost includes room and board. The two costs combined are your total for the entire colony session.

What if I’ve been invited to come, but I can’t afford to attend?
Feel free to fill out the scholarship form here.

How soon do I need to apply?
Submit your registration on line and mail full remittance or print the application, fill it in and mail it along with the full remittance early! Spaces are first come first serve. The deadline is 2 weeks prior to the start date of the session with the full refund deadline set at 7 days prior to start date.